5 Easy Ways to Participate in Small Business Saturday

Best-selling author Wendy Kenney owns the company 23 Kazoos, a marketing and publicity firm in Phoenix, Arizona, that has helped companies like Culver's Restaurants, The Arizona Farm Bureau and Tom Chambers Commercial increase their visibility through social media, publicity, and creative marketing strategies.Wendy honed her marketing skills while working for organizations such as MetLife, WebMd, and PacifiCare, as well as owning her own businesses for over 18 years.

As a Marketing Expert, Wendy speaks internationally to corporations and organizations about marketing strategy, branding, and low cost, no cost marketing.

Wendy lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband Mike, and three teenage sons. Her personal goal is to visit all of the Major League Ballparks in the US before she turns 49. So far she has been to 13.

Follow Wendy on Twitter @WendyKenney

Become a fan on Facebook

Follow Wendy on Twitter @WendyKenney

Become a fan on Facebook

Home office expert Lisa Kanarek is the founder of WorkingNaked.com and the author of five books about working from home, including her new book Organize Your Home Office for Success. Lisa works with entrepreneurs and home-based employees through seminars and individual consultations, to create functional home offices that meet each individual’s working style.

Note: A couple of weeks ago I wrote about holiday marketing ideas and Liz Cies from Aweber had so many great marketing ideas I invited her to write today’s post! I think you’ll find some valuable nuggets in her article. Enjoy!

Thanksgiving is over and the fun is just beginning. For many people, the day after Thanksgiving propels the holiday season into high gear.

Countless news reports have detailed the frenzy and hubbub of Black Friday, when shoppers lace up their sneakers to face the crowds. However, in response to that, a new movement has emerged, that encourages Americans to shop at small, locally-owned independent businesses.

With a renewed focus on small businesses, the day presents an ideal opportunity for small business owners to connect with new customers or clients with free resources provided by the Small Business Saturday organizers. But lest you think the day is reserved for retail establishments, never fear: there are plenty of ways the home-based or service establishment to get involved in Small Business Saturday.

Five Easy Ways to Participate in Small Business Saturday

1. Promote Your Involvement Via Email

Do you have an established subscriber list of dedicated customers or clients? Send them an email about Small Business Saturday, outlining why you’re participating and the specials being offered to your local community. Encourage your subscribers to share with their friends and neighbors by including share buttons in the email from a free service such as AddThis.

2. Offer a Discount or Coupon Code

What special incentives can you offer local customers on Small Business Saturday? Brainstorm with an employee or trusted colleague to develop creative packages, discounts or coupons motivating your customers to make a purchase.

3. Add a Hashtag To Expand Your Reach

Hashtags, a community-developed method of categorizing content on Twitter, are an easy way to broaden the exposure for tweets. Connect with consumers – as well as other small business owners – by adding “#SmallBizSat” to your tweets about the day.

4. Create a Series of Autoresponse Emails for New Customers

New customers are typically most interested in receiving additional information right after they make a purchase from you, so invite them to your subscriber list at the time of purchase. Consider offering an incentive for individuals to sign up, such as a coupon or discount off of a future purchase. Make sure you have prepared a confirmed opt-in message in advance outlining the types of emails they can expect – along with a friendly welcome message thanking the customer for their business and series of autoresponse messages. Need ideas for your autoresponder series? Check out these tips from Chris Guillebeau.

5. Turn The Tables!

In addition to targeting local customers, don’t neglect the opportunity to show your own appreciation for small business owners. Consider creating a special offer exclusively for the hard-working entrepreneurs in your community.

Are you planning to participate in Small Business Saturday? What additional tips would you add for the small business owner?

Best-selling author Wendy Kenney owns the company 23 Kazoos, a marketing and publicity firm in Phoenix, Arizona, that has helped companies like Culver's Restaurants, The Arizona Farm Bureau and Tom Chambers Commercial increase their visibility through social media, publicity, and creative marketing strategies. Wendy honed her marketing skills while working for organizations such as MetLife, WebMd, and PacifiCare, as well as owning her own businesses for over 18 years.As a Marketing Expert, Wendy speaks internationally to corporations and organizations about marketing strategy, branding, and low cost, no cost marketing.Wendy lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband Mike, and three teenage sons. Her personal goal is to visit all of the Major League Ballparks in the US before she turns 49. So far she has been to 13.Follow Wendy on Twitter @WendyKenneyBecome a fan on FacebookFollow Wendy on Twitter @WendyKenneyBecome a fan on FacebookHome office expert Lisa Kanarek is the founder of WorkingNaked.com and the author of five books about working from home, including her new book Organize Your Home Office for Success. Lisa works with entrepreneurs and home-based employees through seminars and individual consultations, to create functional home offices that meet each individual’s working style.